Thursday, June 14, 2012

Live Review: Instruments A' Coming Benefit 4/30/12 Tipitina's, LA

Instruments A' Comin Benefit Concert 
4/30/12 
Tipitina's, New Orleans Louisiana

Click on that flyer above to get the full version and then read the insane lineup; it is a veritable whose who of the New Orleans live music scene.  This show had it all and it was for a good cause in one of the city's most historic venue's, how could you miss it?!?!

Well Jazzfest fans who were spending the full week and NOLA locals surely didn't as the event was sold out (and then some) as bands played outside, inside, all around side on this warm southern spring night.   
Tipitina's is a classic venue, 2 floors (upstairs was for VIP only tonight) with huge bars and cheap drinks, the sound is pretty fantastic, but views can be spotty at times, and the TV's showing the action on stage look brand new...if this was 1982, an upgrade is sorely needed.  However, the location has it's own foundation and money goes to much more important needs, such as instruments for local marching bands, this is it's marquee event to raise funds

Due to dinner in the quarter we arrived a bit late, and missed the marching bands but thanks to youtube (and kitchy) we can catch some:

We walked up to the venue while the Honey Island Swamp Band was finishing off it's outdoor set.  Grabbing a cocktail and grooving outside was great until the funky sounds of Galactic could be heard wafting from indoors.  Walking in you have to rub the forehead of the bust of Professor Longhair...it is a must for luck. 
Like most Jazzfest's this band is everywhere, playing with everyone.  Corey Henry from Rebirth Brass Band was in tow blowing his trombone with the fellas on this night. The band ripped out a killer "You Don't Know" with Glen David Andrews supplying the vocals like he did on the fantastic Ya-Ka-May. Corey Glover popped up and sang a raucous version of "Hey Na Na" as the bands short funky set winded down, normally ready to party to the wee hours, you could tell the fellas were just getting started when they had to stop.

Cruising around outside saw the completion of the silent auction which had some totally unique items for auction (next year gotta bring the check book) while Big Sam's Funky Nation took to the stage.  Rocking out as a 4 piece, this was the first time RtBE had a chance to catch BSFN and we were super impressed.  Running through a rock/funk medley that was tighter then a barrel of bourbon, and included "Pusher Man", Parliment-Funkadelic and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)".  
The naturally charismatic front man Sam Williams worked his stripped down group like a pack mule, owning the stage.  The group played mostly jams and covers including a fantastic rendition of "Mr. Big Stuff with Jean Knight taking over the vocals:

The low-end on this night were the superstars as the bass and drum made your head bob throughout, a party set from the get go and the band that I instantly became hip too; I will not miss the Funky Nation next time they are in town.


BIGI are funk royalty as Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr, Ian Neville and Russell Batiste threw down the sticky funk with confidence.  Playing a half hour set saw the group only play two songs but touch on a world of grooves.  Maestro's just jamming at their craft. 
As the Professor looks on
Up next turned out to be the main attraction, RtBE has looong been an admirer of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, and now he has apparently reached main event status.  His set was basically the same from the day before when he played Jazzfest, but the energy level was amped in the close quarters.  
Their pulling out of Rage Against The Machines "Bull's On Parade" via horns was just as insane the second time I saw it, but their cheesy side was also in effect with "Encore/Replay".  "Do To Me" was a better mix of styles still containing a pop edge, see for yourself:
 
Their whole set had the crowd ecstatic and an ending jam found Troy sitting behind a b3 organ grooving on the keys, adding a unique flair to things.  What was perhaps most surprising was the crowd literally clearing out post Shorty set; they had obviously been there for him. 
We stuck around though and were treated to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band cutting loose for the next hour+ celebrating the release of their new album Twenty Dozen.  The legends in the field were joined by Corey Henry (he's everywhere) as the band blew out the night and closed things on a high note of elegant horns and funky ass grooves.  Knowing that school kids will reap the benefits from this night make things that much sweeter...until next year.

Thanks again to youtube uploader kitchy for the perfect videos, great stuff!  Until next year....

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